latenser@hoss.unl.edu (Dan Latenser) (05/31/91)
The May 27th issue of PC Week includes an article on Microsoft FORTRAN 5.1. The list is $450 and current users can update for $150. Shipping is set for June 1st. Features: Quoted from PC Week: " 5.1 has been integrated with Windows 3.0. Merely recompiling the program with the /MW command-line option creates a Windows 3.0 program. Another option (/G2) generates smaller, faster code specific to 286 and later Intel CPUs. A FORTRAN application's window is more than just a dumb-terminal emulator with a border and a close box; its menu bar provides convenient commands for application control, window management and data exchange by way of the Windows clipboard. Other features include an optional status bar at the lower edge of the window, giving a running indication of such conditions as readiness for input. FORTRANS 5.1's most pleasant surprise is the compilers's ability to use Windows' multidocument interface to handle standard FORTRAN input and output. A FORTRAN program, using conventional syntax to segregate input and output into numbered units, will automatically open child windows within the parent application window; one for each unit. This gives developers fine control over the behavior of the interface, requiring only minor modifications of their programs. When the output to a window goes beyond its width or height, scroll bars appear automatically to let the user inspect any part of the record. The resulting output log is and ideal starting point for moving data to other Windows tools. Data con be marked and copied even when the program is running, as well as after termination, and values are selected by rectangles rather than by lines --- ideal for copying columns from tabular output. FORTRAN 5.1 lets developers build programs that follow Windows convention not just in appearance, but also in their cooperation with other Windows applications. A new YIELDQQ subroutine allows a program written with 5.1 to give up control of the system to other programs in a multitasking Windows environment. The compiler inserts calls to YIELDQQ whenever the program performs input or output, enters or exits a procedure, or enters a (possibly lengthy) loop. For peak application performance, a compilation option limits these insertions to the input/output points. Alternatively, the developer can insert additional calls --- for example, in the interior of a loop --- to correct any problems with Windows' response. FORTRAN 5.1 can create dynamic link libraries, putting its efficient code at the disposal of other Windows applications, and includes extensions for compatibility with IBM Systems Application Architecture, IBM VS, Digital Equipment Corp. VAX and FORTRAN 90 dialects. The compiler and its supplied libraries can also produce applications for DOS and OS/2. The $450 package includes Microsoft's Programmers's Workbench shell. Microsoft can be reached at 800-426-9400 " ----------------------------------------------------------
winstead@faraday.ece.cmu.edu (Charles Holden Winstead) (06/05/91)
Is there a possibility of an educational discount for this monster? -Chuck
sichermn@beach.csulb.edu (Jeff Sicherman) (06/19/91)
Just got the 5.1 upgrade offer a little while ago. One thing is not entirely clear from the propoganda: Are there any language enhancements from 5.0 or are all the changes Windows related ? Is the Quickwin library related to the software that comes as part of the new Visula Basic product ?